XAT 2022 — Decision Making Question 17
Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow.
A2Z is a state-funded leading engineering college in the country, renowned for its teaching and placements. Now, A2Z aspires to be a global leader in research as well. A2Z has, therefore, decided to push for better quality research from its newly recruited faculty members. In the past, a few faculty members were confirmed because of their exceptional teaching feedback even though their research output was below par.
Currently, the Dean, in consultation with the academic council, has included the quality of research as a mandatory requirement along with teaching excellence for the confirmation of the newly recruited faculty members. (The academic council comprises of the senior faculty members from different departments.)
Initially, newly recruited faculty members are put on probation for three years. Either they are confirmed or their probation is extended or their services are terminated, based on teaching and research contributions. Once confirmed, their job is secure along with other additional perquisites.
Aparna joined the social sciences department of A2Z two years back. She is amongst the many faculty members, recruited after the new norms for confirmation were introduced. She completed her doctorate from a reputed university in the USA, with a significant research contributions. However, after joining A2Z, Aparna got deeply involved in social outreach asCOVID-19 was spreading. Though her social outreach has given her immense satisfaction, she has nothing to show against research contributions; further, it has impacted her teaching effectiveness. Her confirmation is due in a year.
One year on, Aparna continues with her social work. Gradually, she gets closer to the end of her probation and she has not much to show against her teaching and research contributions. However, her social work has been widely appreciated by the local media. The Chief Minister of the state wants Aparna to take a larger role in social outreach and assist the government.
The Dean is afraid that not confirming Aparna might prompt her to leave the institution, sending a wrong signal to the outside world. However, he also wants to send a message to the newly joined faculty members that teaching and research contributions are essential for confirmation.
Which of the following actions by the Dean is the MOST sustainable given the circumstances?
Answer & solution
- A
Confirm Aparna, but freeze her increments and promotions until her research contributions are as per the expected standards
- B
Offer Aparna a five-year contractual position after which she has to leave irrespective of her contributions
- C
Declare that Aparna’s extraordinary achievement deserves to be treated exceptionally, and confirm her
Extend Aparna’s probation by three years, and tell her that she would have to leave if her research and teaching do not improve in that period
- E
Offer to create a non-teaching position of outreach officer for Aparna, but terminate her from the teaching position
Since Aparna has received recognition for her work and the Chief Minister wants her to help the government in social outreach programs, terminating Aparna from the institute will create a negative image of the institute, which the Dean wants to avoid.
Option B serves both purposes and is far better than other options.
Thus, among the options, (d) is the most rational choice.